I’m a lifelong resident of Washington Parish and long-time Washington Parish watermelon grower, born and raised here. After graduating Bogalusa High School, I attended LSU in Baton Rouge earning a B.S. in Agribusiness with a minor in Animal, Dairy, & Poultry Science while working my way through school at the LSU Poultry Science Research Facility (LSU Ag. Center- Perkins Rd.), and later, the LSU Horticulture Science Research Facility (LSU Ag. Center- Hill Farm, Baton Rouge Campus). I’m an Alumnus of the Alpha Gamma Rho social/professional Agricultural Fraternity and served two terms as Vice President when I was active. While at LSU I took Graduate level coursework in Rural Development. Upon receiving the degree, and because of my love for this parish, I decided to stay in Washington Parish instead of following the dollars elsewhere.
I worked cruising and buying timber through timber deeds in our local Forestry industry. In 2001 my wife, Michele, and I incorporated The RIO Company Unlimited, LLC- a wholesale nursery and farm domiciled in Washington Parish where I serve as President and C.E.O. today. While following the Parish Government for years, I ran for Parish Council in 1997 when the Parish went from a Police Jury form of government to the President/Council form of government, and fourteen Jurors to seven Councilmen and a Parish President. I ran again in 2007 because of concerns about private property restrictions, the method that was proposed for zoning, serious financial concerns for the Parish Government, and to try to control or eliminate opportunities for corruption in the relatively new financially destitute Parish Government.
Once elected in 2015 to serve in this current term, I’ve served as Council Chairman, Charter Commission Chairman, Solid Waste Committee Chairman, and Personnel Committee Chairman. I’ve also served on the Finance Committee, Infrastructure Committee, and Road Committee. As well, I’m honored to serve on the State of LA Pearl River Basin Task Force where we lobbied for the Pearl River log jam removal, the demise of the proposed “One Lake” reservoir in Jackson, MS., and measures for flood prevention and the preservation of our Pearl River Basin. I’ve had the pleasure to serve with some outstanding fellow elected officials, each bringing valuable talents and expertise to the table.
I believe that elected officials have to put their personal feelings and personal gain aside to act on behalf of ALL the people they represent (not just a couple of the most influential or the ones that support the elected official’s interests). I do NOT believe that holding an elected office is a popularity contest. I represent around 7,000 people in my District and nearly 50,000 people parish wide. Elected officials need to have the grit and fortitude to stand up to corruption, bullying by former politicians that have long forgot their commitment to the people and only have their own self interests at heart, other Councilmen if their intentions are less than noble, and even if unavoidable the Parish President, or anyone else, if it is necessary. I also believe that more is accomplished when people work together, even if they have different views on how to get there, if the goal is the same- a way can be found. Finding common ground, getting all of the facts, adhering to the principles of the constituency, maintaining order, public participation, and listening to each other is essential to a productive government.
I could go into what I do when it comes to working with children, my religious convictions and affiliations, philanthropic organizations I belong to, social and civic clubs I support, sports teams I like, etc. because it’s an important part of who I am; but that’s about me, not you and your government. I believe that you are known by your works and the fruits of your labor. The proof is in the works accomplished. I stand by my record, and hope you do, as well. I want to sincerely thank all the folks who have already come out in my support. My name is Perry Talley, and I’m YOUR Parish Councilman for District 1. I need your support, help, and vote on October 12th or early voting to insure “YOUR VOICE IN YOUR GOVERNMENT!”